Emergency Survival Kit

The following list was taken from the Home Depot website. It will help you prepare yourself and your family in the case of a power outage or other problems. Please add your own tips and items they may have forgotten.

Storage Containers

A large water resistant storage container with integrated handles and an easy on-off lid will hold just about everything you need for your Survival Kit. Keep your survival kit in an easy-to-reach location. Be sure to replenish any items you use so you are prepared for next time.

Lighting

Flashlights are necessary for small tasks and to help light your way. Have 2 to 3 on hand.

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Lanterns powered by batteries will provide a wide-angle source of light for a longer period of time and are safer to use than candles. If your lantern operates on kerosene or other liquid fuel, be sure to follow the manufacturerÕs instructions for proper and safe use.

Area lights are battery-operated lights that affix to the wall or any flat surface. They turn on easily with the tap of a hand and can light your way during a power outage.
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Batteries Ð extra batteries for all battery operated devices should be kept on hand. Paying a little extra for rechargeable batteries can save you money in the long run.
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Light sticks can be used for unexpected blackouts. They are easy to activate, just bend once and shake. They will emit light for up to 12 hours.

Tools to Have

Multi-tool Ð A quality multi-tool will include pliers, screwdriver, a cutting blade, and wire cutter. This all-in-one tool is easy to store in an emergency kit.

Utility Knife Ð A retractable utility knife will provide quick and safe access to a sharp cutting edge when needed.
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Utility Lighter Ð A utility lighter can be indispensable if you need to restart a pilot light.
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Duct Tape Ð Duct tape will bond, protect, hold, repair and patch. It will adhere aggressively to many surface types and in all temperature ranges.

Fire Extinguishers and First Aid Kits

Fire Extinguisher Ð A multi-purpose fire extinguisher with an easy-to-read gauge should be within reach if needed. It is recommended that one extinguisher be placed in every 600 square feet of living space.

First Aid Kits Ð First aid kits make dispensing items easy and convenient to use. A must for any emergency kit.

Portable Generator

Provides safe, reliable power at a momentÕs notice for running basic appliances. Use a generator outdoors to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or fire.

Portable Heater

If the power is out, a portable heater can help provide warmth. If using a portable kerosene heater, be sure to follow the manufacturerÕs instructions for safe and proper use. Keep all portable heaters at least 3-feet from any surrounding objects.

Extension Cords

Have the proper extension cords on hand for a portable generator and the appliances you intend to use. Check manufacturerÕs handbook for information and safety precautions.

Other Items to Include

There are other items of necessity to consider placing in your survival kit. Take a look around your home and make a list of things you may need such as:

Battery operated radio for news updates and instructions from local authorities

Battery operated clock
Blankets and pillows
Appropriate clothing for current climate conditions
Ready-to-eat canned foods and manual can opener
Bottled Drinking Water
Supplies for pets (dogs, cats, fish, etc.)
Prescription medications
Cooler
Supplies for young children or infants

Feedback

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By 01/10/2010

I keep non rechargeable batteries on hand for my emergency stash, and keep the rechargeables for every day use. This is because rechargeables, while they do save a lot of money on buying batteries, don't last as long as non rechargeables. So in my emergency stash I keep 3 sets of batteries for each Item that takes batteries. When I buy them, I label the package with the month and date bought. Then once a month I replace the batteries for one item. For instance:

In January and February, I replace the 3 sets of batteries for my battery powered TV.
In March, I replace them for my radios.
In April and May, for my lanterns.

In June, for my push lights.
In July, for my flash lights
In August, for my kerosene heaters (for heat in winter)
In September, for my fans (for cooling in summer)

09/04/2001

I would add non prescription meds, dry milk powder, baby wipes, a windup clock, an extra can opener for the pet food, disposable dishes, cups and flatware, straws, paper towels and trash bags.

For the battery operated devices a package of emery boards. Emery boards you say? Yes, I used to get all my Hints from Heloise and the best one I ever got was "Keep an Emery board with your Flashlight to clean the Contacts." When the light (or radio sound) starts to fade, remove the batteries and scrub them with an emery board. Bingo! Let there be Light! It works several times. If you're outside a rock, cement, a tree, anything scratchy will do the job. It also helps to scrape the places where the batteries connect.

I got through Hurricane Kate on one set of D batteries by scrubbing them on a terry cloth shirt I was wearing. We had 46 hours with no power, one flashlight, and one set of batteries. It's the best hint I ever got and I pass it on to everyone I can as we can't all afford rechargeable batteries and certainly not for every battery operated device we own.

It works on the button batteries too but they only have one contact point. This has saved us a lot of money over the years and kept a lot of batteries out of the trash before their time.

Of course don't leave batteries in any device you don't use regularly. Naturally some batteries are dead. Toss them if they look remotely corroded.

- Linne